Camping is awesome and so we want to share with you how to get the most out of your camping experience . We have included a camping checklist, list of correct camping etiquette and how to build a camp fire to get you started.
Once we have covered the basics we will get to the root of why camping is good for you, explain how being out in nature benefits you and boosts your happy brain chemicals and how this can contribute to spiritual wellness.
Camping Checklist
Have a detox from social media and give camping a try. It’s a cheaper alternative to most other types of holiday but you do need to make sure you are prepared for the weather as it is unpredictable at the best of times. A great way to spend time with friends, family or alone and develop new skills.
Here are some basic items I would not want to go camping without. You can purchase any of the items by clicking on the image or the links.
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Tent
The Saybe tent is pop up and so easy to use. It has an outside water repellent making it waterproof. Plus its 3 person so plenty of room for 2 people.
It also has double layers which makes it more breathable for better air circulation. Suitable for three seasons which to be fair is more than good enough.
The double layer can also be used as a sun shield for the beach and picnics. I absolutely love that!
Check out how easy it was to dismantle the Saybe Tent
Air Mattress
An inflatable double mattress thats flocked will improve comfort. They are lightweight although sturdy and easy to blow up.
Inflator
This foot operated air pump is ideal to inflate your air bed.
Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is absolutely necessary for comfort and warmth in the night.
- SINGLE ENVELOPE SLEEPING BAG – This single envelope sleeping bag is the perfect size to keep a keen adventurer warm and cosy on camping trips and at festivals.
- 2 SEASONS – This single sleeping bag will keep you warm throughout the late spring to early autumn nights thanks to the 150gsm hollow fibre filling, and the 170T polyester shell. The sleeping bag features a full-length zip for added convenience.
- CLASSIC ENVELOPE SIZE – This envelope style sleeping bag is far roomier than a mummy sleeping bag, and can be fully opened to form a blanket.
- PERFECT SIZE – The lightweight sleeping bag measures 170cm x 75cm, and can be folded up into the carry bag at a size of 33cm x 15cm. This makes it ideal for things like camping trips, fishing trips, and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
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Blanket
I used a fleece throw over the top of my sleeping bag and that was fine. Temperature was around 8 degrees over night.
It’s really about personal preference and depends how cold you get.
Head Torch or Camping Lanterns
Head torches and camping lanterns are good for hiking and camping. If you need to venture out during the night and there is no lighting you cant go wrong with one of these. Good for safety and just really useful.
Camping Lanterns
Ideally you want soe camping lanterns. There can be zero lighting and it will literally be pitch black. You can get battery operated/ USB chargeable LED lanterns.
It’s best to get something lightweight that can be carried around with you that sits comfortably within your tent that can be used as a night light.
Radio
Okay so i haven’t got round to purchasing this item YET! But I absolutely love the sound of it. Wind up, Solar powered radio for campping with micro usb for phone charging. It has a flashlight and it’s also wind up.
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Cool Box or Bag
Cool boxes and bags are a good short term option for cooling food and drinks. Some may require ice packs adding. Some may need chilling in the freezer before use. I would suggest using taking one so your food doesn’t spoil.
Camping Stove or Disposable BBQ (optional)
I was happy to use a disposable BBQ but if I were to start going camping more frequently and for longer I may look to invest in a camping stove. If you are using gas cannstrs always use outsdie of your tent in a well ventilated area. Make sure that the workspace you are using is sturdy.
Camping Etiquette
- Be considerate of others – Keep noise volumes down after a certain time
- Respect the natural landscape. Please be mindful to leave things how you find them.
- Always camp on durable land – Trails and Camp Sites are ideal.
- Avoid lighting open fires if you are wild camping you would need to use a specialist stove.
- Respect the wildlife and try not to disturb by dismantling branches and trees close by.
- Collect camp fire wood over a large area. Avoid taking too much from a smaller area.
- Always dispose of rubbish properly.
- Do not burn debris like rubbish and rocks,
How to Build A Safe Camp Fire
Always have permission from the land owner being starting a camp fire.
Camp Sites will usually state if you can or can’t build one.
- Find some dried leaves and grass to place at the bottom of your camp fire
- Add kindling – Find some small twigs and leaves that are no wider than an inch thick to place on top (all wood must be dry or it will not work)
- Set alight and once the fire gets going you would add larger pieces of wood to keep it going for a while.
You need to make sure that you leave at least 15 feet of space between the camp fire and sleeping area or any other flammable items to ensure safety.
Always be sure that a camp fire is totally out. Never leave unattended. It is best to let them die down naturally and then maybe pour some water over the top to ensure fully distinguished.
Why Camping Is Good For You
Camping and being out in nature has a multitude of benefits for emotional well being. If you have been thinking about giving it a try you definitely should.
- Improves your mood as it gives you a greater sense of meaning and purpose.
- Helps to improve your confidence and self-esteem.
- Makes you feel more connected with your local community as you meet new and like minded people.
- Emotional health and well being improves because being out in nature makes you feel happier.
- Lowers the stress hormone cortisol which in turn reduces blood pressure and helps reduce anxiety.
- Sharpen your cognition, working memory and attention as your brain gets a much-needed reset – Eliminate brain fog.
- Sounds of nature are recuperative and help you heal as it activates your nervous system and tells it to relax.
Happy Brain Chemicals
Being out in nature activates three life changing ‘happy brain’ chemicals.
Endorphins – Our Pain Relievers
Walking out in nature is just one of the many things you could do to relieve stress and receive pain relief.
It only takes 30 mins of exercise to feel a difference although ideally an hour would be better as this is linked to feelings of euphoria.
Regular exercise including yoga and meditation boost endorphins.
Also, creating music and art are known to boost endorphins & this would explain a lot about most people’s love of music.
If you wanted to be really clever you could also take some high grade solid cocoa chocolate on your camping trip as this has the same effect.
Serotonin – Regulate Your Mood
When outside you naturally breathe in more fresh air. The oxygen that you breathe in increases serotonin production which helps you to feel in a good mood.
The combination of being outside, getting exercise and sunshine all give you a boost.
When sunshine enters through your retinas it signals to your brain to produce more serotonin.
You can also achieve greater levels of serotonin by taking a cold shower and eating a healthy and high fibre diet that includes nuts, poultry, eggs, milk, soy and salmon. So you know what to take as a snack and what to cook on your BBQ, lol.
Dopamine – Feel Good & Reward Yourself
Dopamine allows you to feel pleasure and also motivates you. It helps to regulate your nervous system which is why you feel less stressed and anxious.
When you try new things, when you are out in nature and when you listen to music you are rewarded with Dopamine.
Makes sense to grab your radio and bring it along with you for your camping trip.
Spiritual Wellness
From my own experience camping allows you to feel present and mindful and that’s before you even add meditation into the mix. Just sit and be still, it helps to put everything into perspective.
Being outside gives you the perfect opportunity to look up at the nights sky, whether that be the stars or the moon.
Being outside in nature means you can appreciate the sound of the birds chirping in all their glory. I experienced this and I had never experienced anything quite like it. The sounds totally filled my tent and it was quite mesmerizing to say the least. Nature became the present, It’s a truly beautiful chorus and one I would definitely advise you to experience at least once.
Bring your gratitude journal with you, focus on being really present by recording all the things you are most grateful for in that moment. Feeling gratitude is very grounding and once we begin to fully appreciate everything we have it allows room for more positivity to enter our lives.
Perform a burning ritual using your camp fire. You would need to take some paper and a pen along with you and write down anything that no longer serves your higher good. Then fold and throw into the fire as this will help you to release any negative thoughts and things that are taking up energy within your mind and heart.
By being present & mindful and truly appreciating everything you are able to unlock a higher frequency of energy within you that will make you feel amazing.
Please feel free to leave me a comment and share your own experience.
Take Care
Caroline